Halocynthia papillosa

Red sea-squirt

Halocynthia papillosa is a solitary ascidian which is generally 10 cm high but
may reach 20 cm. The body is ovoïd, the red test is cartilaginous, rough with a granulous surface.
The siphons are distant: the oral siphon is terminal and the atrial siphon is half-way down the body.
Rigid bristles, used as sensitive elements, surround the siphons. The red sea-squirt can contract and
close its siphons when disturbed.
It lives attached to rocks, overhangs or among Posidonia, avoiding luminous areas, between 2 and 100
meters deep. It is a Mediterranean species that may live in the surrounded Atlantic Ocean, particularly
along the Portuguese coasts.

Classification

Page glossary

Test : or tunic: thick layer secreted by the mantel containing cellulose and protecting the animal.Oral siphon : Opening by which water is drawn in the ascidian.Atrial siphon : Opening through which water is expelled.

How to cite this page in publications

Bay-Nouailhat A., January 2005, Description of Halocynthia papillosa, Available on line at http://www.european-marine-life.org/32/halocynthia-papillosa.php, consulted on 09 December 2016.Also consult : Terms of use and copyrights